COMING to Harare for the Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa) is not just about coming to stand at the venues to watch performances, but also getting involved and participating.
Report by Melissa Mpofu
If your stay in Harare is going to be worthwhile then you need to make sure that during Hifa week you experience something other than just Hifa. Hifa kicks off on April 30 through May 5.
Below I’ve listed some activities one can add to their list of things to do during that week:
Eat out Harare might have power outages and water-shedding from time to time, but it is not short of restaurants. These restaurants have often “made a plan” in true Zimbabwean fashion, by buying generators and finding ways to beat the shortages.
Like most hospitality companies in the country, they try not to let anything get in the way of serving visitors with warmth and professionalism.
Steak is a prominent feature of most Zimbabwean menus, and understandably so: the beef here tastes sublime. Do not forget about the veggie and fresh water fish options though, as these are no less special than their red meat counterparts. Home to some of the upper range restaurants in Zimbabwe and mid-range restaurants Harare restaurants will not disappoint you.
Visit www.zimbabwetourism.net to view a comprehensive list of recommended restaurants.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Sleep Out Lest you want to miss out on half the action you would not want to stay far away from where all the action will take place. If you are visiting Harare, participating or just coming out to watch the Hifa activities, try to make your reservations at least a fortnight in advance. Do not come to the city thinking you will get a hotel when you get here — you will end up sleeping in your car, which is not recommended, not to mention rather uncomfortable.
Although grim chances of getting accommodation at the last minute are possible, you are, however, strongly encouraged to make an advance booking to avoid disappointment.
Staying at a hotel in proximity (Rainbow Towers or Crowne Plaza) to the Hifa activities will prove to be more convenient. Instead of driving to your bed, at the end of carnival, wouldn’t it be nice to just walk to your bed?
Visit www.zimbabwetourism.net to view a list of recommended hotels/lodges and boarding houses.
Attend the Parties During Hifa, a lot of parties will be held. See Press, website, posters and adverts to find at least one you can attend. You do not need to be invited to attend some of these events but you may, however, need cash to have access to some of the events.
Learn the Zimbabwean music and culture Through the Culture programme, the UNESCO Office, Culture Fund and other culture groups in Harare seek to promote cultural diversity through facilitating the implementation of the safeguarding of Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage.
In pursuing this goal, activities are aimed at highlighting the role of heritage in achieving sustainable development and social cohesion and intercultural co-operation. In this regard efforts are focused on the protection, safeguarding and promotion of heritage in all its forms – tangible and cultural, cultural and natural, movable and immovable. So don’t just take away memories of Hifa, but look out for these programs and make sure you take some culture as well.
Shopping Shopping, restaurants and nightlife make up the different modes of entertainment in the city. Shopping in Harare is highly recommended. This city has an array of shops catering for every budget, including malls with fast-food, clothing, shoes and accessories.
More interestingly, Harare offers the huge traditional open market at Mbare, where visitors can find a colourful array of baskets, food, clothing and various other items. By supporting the local craftsmen who sell their hand-made artwork, stone and wooden sculptures, and wicker goods, visitors can take home a unique piece of Africa that will be treasured for years to come.
Meanwhile stalls will also be set up at Hifa for easy access to hifa souvenirs.
See you at Hifa next week.Please wear white for the opening show on April 30 if you want to glow.
